When you or a loved one needs medical care, you want the best. Toronto General Hospital (TGH), part of the University Health Network (UHN), is not just the best in Canada. It is currently ranked as the number 3 hospital in the entire world according to Newsweek.
Whether you are visiting for specialized heart surgery, looking for parking, or checking if your insurance covers a private room, this guide covers everything. We have gathered the most important details to help you prepare for your visit.
Why Toronto General is Ranked #3 Globally
Toronto General is the top publicly funded hospital on the planet. It sits right behind the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic in global rankings. This isn’t just about prestige; it is about saving lives.
The hospital is famous for two main things:
- The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre: This is a world leader in open-heart surgery and cardiovascular health.
- The Ajmera Transplant Centre: It is the largest transplant program in Canada. They perform hundreds of life-saving organ transplants every year.
If you are referred here, you are in the hands of the world’s top doctors and researchers.
Health Insurance and Coverage Details
One of the biggest questions patients have is about cost. If you are a resident of Ontario with a valid OHIP card, most standard ward care is covered. However, many people want more privacy or are visiting from outside Canada.
Important Note for International Patients:
If you do not have Canadian residency, you must pay for your care. Hospitals in Toronto charge significant fees for non-residents. You will likely need to sign a billing agreement before admission. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel medical insurance to cover these high daily costs.
Private and Semi-Private Rooms
Do you want a room with more quiet and space? You can upgrade your room, but OHIP does not usually cover the extra cost. Many private employee benefit plans (like Sun Life or Manulife) will cover these upgrades.
Here is a quick breakdown of the costs you might expect if you do not have private insurance coverage:
| Room Type | Description | Daily Cost (Approx.) |
| Ward | 4 beds per room | $0 (With valid OHIP) |
| Semi-Private | 2 beds per room | $250 – $300 |
| Private | 1 bed per room | $300 – $375+ |
| Ambulance | Emergency transport | $45 (OHIP) / $240 (Non-resident) |
Prices are estimates and subject to change. Always check your insurance policy before you arrive.
Planning Your Visit: Parking and Hours
Getting to downtown Toronto can be tricky. Toronto General is located at 200 Elizabeth Street, right near University Avenue. Traffic is heavy, so knowing where to park ahead of time saves a lot of stress.
Best Parking Options
You don’t want to circle the block for hours. There are specific lots designed for patients.
- Main UHN Lot: Located at 201 Elizabeth Street (behind the hospital).
- Discount Passes: If you are visiting frequently (for example, a family member is in long-term care), you can buy 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day passes. These passes can save you 50% off the daily maximum rate.
- Drop-off Zones: There is a U-shaped driveway at the Elizabeth Street entrance for quick patient drop-offs.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Family support is vital for healing. TGH generally has flexible visiting hours, but they do have “Quiet Hours” to help patients sleep.
- Regular Hours: Flexible during the day.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
- Number of Visitors: usually 2 visitors at a bedside at a time.
Health Check: Do not visit if you have a cough, fever, or runny nose. You may be asked to wear a mask in certain high-risk areas like the Transplant Unit or ICU.
Specialized Care and Research
You might see “University Health Network” written everywhere. This means TGH is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.
This is great news for patients. It means your doctors are also researchers. They are often the first to use new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict heart failure or improve lung transplants.
- Research Institutes: TGH is home to massive research projects.
- Education: They train the next generation of surgeons and nurses.
What to Bring for Admission
If you are staying overnight, pack light but smart.
- ID and Insurance Cards: Bring your OHIP card and any private insurance wallet cards.
- Medications: Bring a list of all pills you take at home.
- Comfort Items: A phone charger with a long cord, slippers, and headphones are essential.
- Payment Method: A credit card is needed for renting TV/phone services or paying for room upgrades.
Toronto General Hospital provides elite care, but navigating the system requires a little planning. Check your insurance coverage for private rooms today, and make sure you know exactly where to park to make your visit as smooth as possible.